Solon wants drug test for bets, elected execs

Saying that public servants should be held to the same standards as ordinary job applicants, newly-elected Cebu 4th District Representative Sun Shimura is pushing for a law that would require mandatory drug testing for all candidates and elected officials.

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Shimura said it is about time public officials underwent the same scrutiny as guards, waiters, and clerks, who are commonly subjected to drug tests before employment.

“When I was a board member, I said all candidates running for any position in government should undergo drug testing. I cannot pass this in the province because of national law --I am now here,” said Shimura.

Shimura, who assumed office on July 1, said the measure will be among his priority bills, although it has yet to be officially filed.

He believes it is part of promoting accountability and integrity in government service.

The congressman's proposal is part of a larger legislative agenda he is crafting to address longstanding issues in education, land tenure, values formation, and social services in his district and beyond.

In his first two days in Congress, Shimura already filed six bills, including four seeking the conversion of Cebu Technological University extension campuses in Bantayan, San Remigio, Tabogon, and Tabuelan into autonomous campuses.